By Joy Onu, Abuja
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Philip Shaibu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for increased investment in sports development, while calling for greater accountability among sports administrators.
Shaibu made the remarks during a courtesy visit by members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Correspondents Chapel, led by Comrade Felix Ojo, to the NIS headquarters in Abuja.
He noted that the Tinubu administration’s focus on sports development is aimed at diversifying Nigeria’s economy from oil dependency to a thriving sports economy driven by business and talent development.
According to him, reforms at the National Institute for Sports are among the key gains of the current administration, stressing that improved budgetary allocations to the sector have positioned it for growth.
Shaibu, however, emphasized that the responsibility for success or failure in the sports sector rests squarely on the shoulders of those appointed to manage it, not the President.
“If sports do not do well today, it is not President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is those of us entrusted with the responsibility, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, the Director-General, myself, and the presidents of various federations,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to hold sports administrators accountable, insisting that leadership in the sector must focus on service rather than personal gain.
“We are here to give back to sports, not to take from it. Anyone who wants to continue with the old ways must be ready to face scrutiny,” Shaibu added.
The NIS boss also pledged to uphold transparency and discipline within the system, describing himself as a “watchdog” committed to ensuring that all stakeholders align with the President’s vision of repositioning Nigerian sports.
He further highlighted the importance of grassroots development, commending initiatives aimed at nurturing young talents and expressing readiness to collaborate with relevant federations to support such programs.
Shaibu expressed optimism that with sustained funding and proper management, Nigeria’s sports sector would regain its pride of place globally, adding that the National Assembly’s continued support would further boost ongoing reforms.
